Players warned of strict conduct code

HEFTY punishments for repeat on-field offenders and players who threaten umpires are being introduced this season under a new NTFL code of conduct.

An eight-week automatic penalty will apply for any player found guilty of threatening an umpire, while any player who accumulates 15 weeks worth of suspensions in the competition will be de- registered.

Speaking at last night's season launch, NTFL president Andrew Richardson said with a shortage of umpires around the Coast, protection of the men in orange was paramount.

Richardson said similar guidelines were common right around the country.

"We lost umpires a couple of years ago because we had a threatening situation," he said.

"We can't afford to lose any umpires, so it's important we support them."

Richardson said night football, Sunday fixtures and fly-in appearances from former AFL players will be features of a much- anticipated NTFL season.

Speaking on the issue of player movement to country football associations, Richardson said it was unfortunate, but simply a case of "that's life."

"The 18, 19 and 20-year- olds are the ones we didn't want to lose," he said.

"They are the players that we want to stay in our competition.

"Hopefully those players will try out country footy for a year and then join us again in the near future."

Richardson reiterated that, while the league has been successful in recent years with only six teams, the goal was to have an eight-team competition consisting of teams from Devonport and Burnie.

Current state league club Devonport is expected to re-join the NTFL in 2015, and the league is supportive of a one-team state league concept which would open the door for a Dockers side to come back in.

"We are very strong on an eight-team competition, and we have probably got seven next year," Richardson said.